A shocking controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s student leadership circles. Atiku Issa Abubakar, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of orchestrating his kidnapping and assault. NANS President Alleges Kidnapping by Seyi Tinubu in this sensational claim.
Abubakar claimed the incident occurred after he rejected a 100 million Naira bribe to endorse the president. This happened during a visit to Lagos on April 15, 2025. According to Abubakar, he was stripped naked, beaten, and recorded by Seyi Tinubu’s associates. They wanted to humiliate him and force his compliance.
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The NANS president further alleged that Seyi, in collaboration with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), coerced him into publicly announcing his resignation from the NANS presidency. This was to secure his release. “I did it to gain my freedom,” Abubakar stated, emphasizing that he remains the legitimate NANS president following his inauguration on February 27, 2025. The controversy of NANS President Alleges Kidnapping by Seyi Tinubu continues to unravel.
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He also accused Olusola Oladoja, a factional NANS president reportedly backed by Seyi Tinubu, of threatening to release the compromising video. He claimed “nothing will happen” if it were made public. Abubakar challenged Seyi’s influence. He asserted, “Seyi Tinubu is just an ordinary citizen like myself.”
The genesis of this saga traces back to a contentious NANS leadership election. Factional disputes emerged during this period. Oladoja, supported by Seyi Tinubu, announced plans to name the NANS national secretariat after President Tinubu. Abubakar’s faction opposed this move.
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Tensions escalated when Abubakar’s inauguration in Abuja was allegedly disrupted by Seyi’s thugs. This led to violence and further allegations of intimidation. The allegations now include that the NANS President Alleges Kidnapping by Seyi Tinubu.
Seyi Tinubu has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them “baseless and defamatory” in a statement on Instagram. He dismissed the claims as “fake news” and threatened legal action against those tarnishing his reputation.
This scandal has reignited debates about political interference in student leadership. There is also the broader issue of transactional politics in Nigeria. Figures like Peter Obi recently warned about politicians using financial inducements to manipulate youth. They undermine governance advocates in the process. The situation remains tense as calls for justice grow louder.
